Located just across the Japanese paradise that is Little Tokyo in Makati is Hatsu Hana-Tei, located on the 2nd floor of the Herald Suites. The only inclination you might have of its presence is a couple of banners in front of the hotel.
One Sunday, weeks ago the three of us together with friends decided to try the place out after I read about it from Lori. There’s a couple of parking spaces in the basement but its quite cramped.From the basement, we took the elevator up to the 2nd floor, where Hatsu Hana-Tei is situated. There have 2 areas, the open dining area which includes the sushi bar and their private tatami rooms.
We picked one of the tatami rooms, which has its own air conditioning so its much cooler and more private. There a little bell at the corner of the table where you can use to signal if you need service.
We browsed thru their menu, which includes some set lunches as well as their regular ala carte menu.
Complimentary appetizers was served to all of us as well as cold tea upon request.
Maguro Don (P320). Raw tuna on rice, Irene’s new default order in Japanese restaurants after loving it at Izakaya Kikufuji. The tuna pieces were slices thinly and differently which resulted in the fish tasting different. The price might be cheaper but since the fish was thin and just spread out, it resulting in less amount in total.
Lauren’s choice was the Ebi Tempura Set (P575) came with half a bowl of hot soba (can also be cold). Lauren finished the shrimps, rice and the miso soup but left the soba to us. She said it was ok but nothing super good. I had the hot soba and liked it.
The Hatsu Hana Special (P495) was my choice. A number of different dishes places in a Japanese lacquered bento box.
Its served with Chawan Mushi.
There’s Inari and Maguro Sushi.
Three different types of sahimi, Tuna, Salmon and Lapu lapu.
Another part of the bento box contained a mix of fish and vegetables.
The last part of the special box was a piece of grilled Japanese fish, which I was not familiar with.
The bento box was not bad but was not that great a deal for me. IF I added a bit more money, I could have gotten a Deluxe Bento at Tsumura which could feed 2 people with the many dishes included in it.
The last part was dessert, fruits.
It was good to have tried Hatsu Hana Tei, the place is quiet and they have the tatami rooms for even more privacy. The parking is a bit of a problem for me. Value wise, we can’t help compare it to Izakaya Kikufuji which has more hustle and bustle or Tsumura for a bit more upscale Japanese dining.
Hatsu Hana Tei
2/F Herald Suites
2168 Chino Roces Ave. (for. Pasong Tamo)
Makati City
759.6388
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